ABOUT US
The idea for a Manatee County Agricultural Museum first surfaced in 1979 as part of a planned expansion of the Manatee County Extension Service facilities at the Fairgrounds on 17th Street in Palmetto, Florida. The idea was to construct a two-story building with a museum on the lower level and the new Extension Service office above. Due to the possible move of the Manatee County Fair from the 17th Street site, this plan was deferred to a later date.
In 1985, the Palmetto Historical Commission initiated a historical survey made possible by a state grant. The survey identified and documented the important role agriculture has played in developing this area. In 1987 the Commission gave leadership to the establishment of the Manatee County Agricultural Museum Association. Two years later the Museum became a not-for-profit corporation with their own volunteer Board of Directors. The group reviewed options and possible museum sites, including the Chaires Building at the Agricultural Center/Fairgrounds, the Craig Sugar Mill site on Highway 301 North, and a few possible sites in downtown Palmetto. Lack of adequate resources was a major problem in following through on these sites.
A breakthrough came in 1995 when a city owned building, which was the site of the original firehouse/jail and public works building for Palmetto, became available. This is the site where the Museum currently stands. The Palmetto City Council was approached about developing the building into an Agricultural Museum. The council agreed and approved a 50-year lease with an option to renew for another 50 years. Building plans were developed and a fundraising plan adopted.
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Included in the funds raised were a $250,000 state grant, a $75,000 grant from the Bradenton Kiwanis Club Foundation, and $50,000 from the Dan McClure Family. In late 2001, the Board of Directors approached the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court, R.B. "Chips" Shore, about partnering to join the Historical Resources Department to staff the museum. The first employee was hired in December 2001. Through the efforts and resources of many others, the Manatee County Agricultural Museum opened its doors to the public on March 9, 2002.
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Since 2002, the Board of Directors has continued to be actively involved in the operations of the Museum. Collection acquisition, exhibition development, program and event support through funds and volunteer manpower, and more. In 2023, the name of the non-profit changed to Friends of Manatee County Agricultural Museum to better reflect the main mission of supporting the Museum through fundraising efforts. Today Museum continues to operate through a unique partnership agreement with the City of Palmetto, Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller and the Friends of Manatee County Agricultural Museum.
Board Members and Community Leaders on opening day of the Museum - March 9, 2002.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to support the Manatee County Agricultural Museum in preserving, sharing and educating the community about Manatee County’s agricultural heritage and to support local agriculture today and into the future.
Board of Directors
Sandy Garrison, President
Suncoast Nursery, LLC
Kristin Hokanson, Vice President
Fiorelli Winery
Kimberly Bierds, Secretary
Dale Hoffner, Treasurer
Michael Council
Mosaic
Darrin Diem
Southern Ag
Stevie John
SMJ Ag Consulting LLC
Caitlin Sollazzo
Commercial Horticulture Agent - University of Florida IFAS Extension
Blake Trace
Ellenton Nursery Growers
Heather Traxler
Director of Medicare Reporting - Sanderson Law
Ally Zemelman
Wells Fargo Advisors
2025 Board of Directors - Front L to R: Sandy Garrison, Ally Zemelman, Kristin Hokanson, Kimberly Bierds. Back L to R: Dale Hoffner, Michael Council, Blake Trace, Darrin Diem. Not Pictured: Caitlin Sollazzo, Heather Traxler, Steve John